Is there anything science can't explain? Yes. Tons. But, that doesn't stop the journey! I have put together two of, what I thought, were the more interesting views that psychologist type people came up with when trying to define and figure out love.

After all, there are many kinds of love. I love my parents. I love my rats. I love my friends. I love bacon. Each of these is a different type of love, thankfully.

Love Types
The love types are six styles used to explain how people love each other. It was developed by John Lee starting in the 1970s. He wrote a book about it and compared the love styles to the color wheel with primary and secondary colors. The book is "The Colors of Love" if you want to try to find it. The styles were expanded on in the 1980s by Clyde Hendrick and Susan Hendrick.

So much love. This is just color. Don't get excited

There are six styles total, but the major three (primary colors) are:

• Eros: Love based on a person. This is a passionate physical and emotional love. It is pretty much the stereotype of romantic love. Think of Romeo and Juliet - you know, minus the death stuff. Maybe Lancealot and Guinevere - you know, minus the infidelity.
• Ludus: Love as a game. This love is based on conquests and can include multiple partners. Think of your Casanovas. Those who get the biggest thrill out of wooing someone.
• Storge: Love as friendship. This is an affectionate love that slowly develops from friendship or very similar ideas. Think of Stabler and Benson - no romance, but, a deep connection.

The three secondary love styles are:

• Pragma: This is a love that is based on the head, not the heart. An arranged marriage that works could be a good example of this where both are willing because it is the best, logical choice.
• Mania: This is an obsessive love that normally has severe highs and lows. People in this type of love are often very possessive and jealous lovers. They are also teenagers a lot of times.
• Agape: This is a more spiritual love, a selfless altruistic love.

And, no, I am not posting a quiz where you can find your type. You don't love in just one way with everyone you are with. People can change their style and patterns, but, it possible you can fit every relationship you have into these love types.

Give it a shot. Then try to figure out the type of lover you are.

Triangular Theory of Love
The Triangular Theory of Love (no, not a love triangle) was developed by Robert Sternberg. He theorized that there were three types of love which could exist individually or in groups and determine the type of relationship between two people.

The three elements are:

• Intimacy: This is the feeling of attachment, being bonded and close to someone. Not to be confused with sex, by the way.
• Passions: This is the feeling of being sexual attracted to someone. Lusting after someone. *lick*
• Commitment: This is feeling of shared achievements and plans to continue a relationship with someone. This can be short-term (what'ch doing tomorrow?) or long-term (will you marry me?).

The relationship between two people are based on the levels of these three elements. When all three are present, you have a long-term, loving relationship. When only one or two elements exist, the relationship is either very young or less likely to succeed.

Your various relationship types that come from these three elements are:

• Nonlove: Nothing exists of any of the elements. Maybe this is the control group. I don't know.
• Friendship: This happens when the elements of intimacy with no no sexual desire or commitment are present.
• Infatuation: This happens when the element of sexual desire with nothing else exists.
• Empty love: This happens when there is commitment and nothing else.
• Romantic love: This happens when there is intimacy and passion, but no commitment.
• Compassionate love: This happens is a combination of commitment and intimacy - this love can be applied to family and friends, as well.
• Fatuous love: This happens when only the elements of passion and commitment are present.
• Consummate love: This happens when all three elements exist.

Here, use this chart I found on the Internet for a better way to figure it all out.

The answer is C

Thoughts
Keep in mind, everyone is different and relationships and people feel and evolve differently. Science has not figured out how we get those butterflies in our tummies, but, it can offer a realistic look at how different people function.

If anything, hopefully this post will give you some perspective on components and types of love as you go about your dating lives.


Image Credits
Color wheel from the-creative-home.com. 
Love chart from hookingupsmart.com.